Queen Charlotte Track 'Lodge to Lodge' Walk 4D3N, Self Guided

- The departure point is Picton New Zealand
- There are a number of ways to get to Picton, which is located at the top of the South Island of New Zealand. Depending on your point of origin, you may be coming from either Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch International Airport.
- There are direct flights with Air New Zealand from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch to Blenheim Airport, about 20 minutes' drive from Picton. Affordable shuttles are available or you can rent a car.
- If coming from Wellington, you can also catch either the Bluebridge or Interislander ferry service across Cook Strait which berths in Picton. Or you can catch the small commuter airline, Soundsair, which has a base at Wellington Airport.

Day 1: Approximately 17 km, 5.5 hours
Day 2: Approximately 12 km, 4 hours
Day 3: Approximately 22.5 km, 8 hours (Optional boat trip for non-walkers. Please see details in the Day 3 Itinerary)
Day 4: Approximately 18 km, 6 hours (Optional boat trip for non-walkers or easy walking option. Please see details in the Day 4 Itinerary)

Total: Approximately 71 km

Because much of the Marlborough region is sheltered by high country to the west, south and in some areas to the east, its New Zealand’s sunniest region, averaging 2,400 hours of sunshine each year.The Marlborough Sounds is blessed with a great year round climate – however, New Zealand weather generally is said to have ‘four seasons in one day’ so it is important to come prepared. Layered clothing is best including a thermal undergarment, fleece top, shorts, long trousers, warm jacket and rain coat.

Summers are filled with warm, dry and settled weather. Typical summer daytime maximum air temperatures range from 20°C to 26°C, but occasionally rise above 30°C. High temperatures are sometimes accompanied by dry, hot winds from the northwest that create distinctive ‘wave’ cloud formations.

Winter days often start with a frost, but are usually mild overall. Late winter and early spring is normally the most unsettled time of the year. Typical winter daytime maximum air temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C. Mean annual rainfall is around 1,200mm, with only 76 wet days on average per year; the micro-climate of the Marlborough Sounds has slightly higher rainfall.

Picton Historical Climate & Weather Data

What is the pick-up and drop-off location and time?
Pick up is around 7:30am from your Picton accommodation or other places in Picton per arrangement on Day 1. You’ll be transferred back to Picton by 4:00 to 4:30pm on the final day. If you are flying out of Blenheim Airport, be sure not to book any flight departing before 6:00pm. It is normally possible to catch a late ferry or Soundsair flight as long as this is not before 5:30pm.

How much weight do we carry?
Remember you only need to carry a day pack with your lunch, raincoat, something warm and water bottle/camera - this definitely makes the walk easier. Your over-night luggage is transported by boat each day. If you are on a guided walk, your guide will encourage you to walk at your own pace rather than walk always as a group - it is your holiday after all.

How fit do I need to be?
The enjoyment of any walk is better if you have a reasonable degree of fitness. If you take activities 2 or 3 times a week such as walking, golfing, running, gym, then this is an excellent base for you to take a Queen Charlotte Track multi-day walking tour.

In the lead up to the trip, please try to do at least one long walk (up to 8 hours) to prepare. In addition, please also include some hill walking activities as the Queen Charlotte Track does have some steeper sections. However, keep in mind the longest day also has an optional boat ride for those who want a day of rest or an easier walk.

What do I need to bring?
We will provide you with a gear list after booking.

Where I can park my car if I self drive to Picton?
There are a few carparks in Picton.

Where can I storage my excess luggage whilst I am walking?
One luggage (max weight of 15kg) is limited per person when walking the Queen Charlotte as the luggage is transported by water taxi each day and lifted on and off boats. A suitcase with wheels or duffle bag is fine. We have room to store any excess luggage at the guide’s office. Alternatively, you can storage your excess luggage at your pre-trip accommodation in Picton. Be sure to pack just enough for the duration of your tour on the track and leave any unnecessary items in storage.

What walking footwear do I need?
We recommend sturdy walking shoes or boots at all times of the year. In the winter, boots are preferable particularly if there has been a lot of rain. In the height of summer, a strong walking shoe with a good tread is fine. Running shoes are not generally recommended although if this is all you have, at the height of summer, they would suffice. We would not recommend wearing new boots for a multi-day trip. Boots or shoes should be well worn in for maximum comfort.

Do I need a walking pole?
Walking poles are a useful accessory but not essential. Many walkers use them as a tool to preserve they back and knees. This is definitely a personal preference. In most places the Queen Charlotte Track is well-formed, wide and with a good surface although at times of heavy rain, the clay base to the track can become slippery and poles are welcome. A good Manuka stick picked up along the trail and re-turned to the bush at the end works just as well. We do have walking poles available for hire if you don’t wish to bring one from home (pre-booking of walking poles is essential).

Can I catch a water taxi if I don’t think I can walk the long day?
Yes. This is one of the wonderful appeals about the Queen Charlotte Track that on the long day, or any day for that matter, you can opt to travel by boat and take in the sights of the Marlborough Sounds from the water. The water taxi is an additional cost to package prices but we can assist with advice and booking before or during your trip. Payment is required prior to your trip.

If your spouse or travelling partner does not wish to walk or bike and you do, water transport can even be arranged throughout for non-walkers.

Is there Wi-Fi, Internet or mobile reception along the Queen Charlotte Track?
Mobile reception is sporadic along the track. It is available on the first day on the boat journey out to the start of Queen Charlotte Track but from Ship Cove as far as Camp Bay (the first two days) there is no reliable coverage. The sections of the track which traverse the ridgelines (normally Day Three and Four) do offer good mobile coverage. All the lodges along the track have phone lines and some have limited internet access available for guests, either provided free or with a small charge. It is best to plan for limited or no internet coverage and some mobile coverage. If you have important messages or would like to give a contact number in case of emergency to family and friends, you are welcome to use your guides’ satellite phone.

Are there washing/drying facilities along the Queen Charlotte Track?
Most of the larger lodges along the Queen Charlotte Track either offer access to washing/drying facilities which are coin operated or they offer a laundry service for a fee. One or two lodges have a drying room but you should plan to take a change of clothes for each day in your overnight luggage.

Can I use credit card and are there ATMs along the Queen Charlotte Track?
All the lodges along the Queen Charlotte Track have credit card facilities and Eft-pos. Please have some cash as you may need it for the water taxi during the trip.

What accommodation options do we have pre and post walk?
Escape To Picton (5 star)
Sited by the town’s waterfront, overlooking the marina. The boutique accommodation is a stone’s throw from regular boating tours of the Marlborough Sounds and connections to the famous Queen Charlotte walking track. A mere 20 minute drive separates us from the seemingly endless vineyards of the Wairau and Awatere valleys and the remarkable wineries dotted among them.

McCormick House B & B (5 star)
Set in a quiet sunny location, on half an acre (2000sqm) of private, established forest gardens. McCormick House is ideally located just 3 minutes drive from Picton Interisland ferry, bus stops and train station, or 20 minutes drive from Blenheim airport. Eco friendly McCormick House is also only minutes walk from Picton town centre, cafés, restaurants and galleries.

The Sounds Retreat Lodge (5 star)
In the stunning Marlborough Sounds on New Zealand's South Island, The Sounds Retreat Luxury Lodge is a spectacular paradise showcasing nature and luxury living at its finest. With a focus on unparalleled service and exquisite creature comforts, this award-winning private lodge is an ideal way to vacation in a most marvelous destination.

Sennen House B & B (4 star)
This accommodation is a 15 minutes walk from the beach. Built in 1886, the historic 2-storey Sennen House offers free Wi-Fi and free continental breakfast. All accommodation boasts ornate furnishings and décor. The property is ideally situated for exploring the Queen Charlotte Track. Surrounded by lovely manicured gardens, Picton Sennen House is less than a 5 minute drive from the Picton foreshore and the Picton Ferry Terminal.

Picton Yacht Club Hotel (4 star)
Set beside Picton Harbour, this stylish and modern hotel provides a great base to explore the dramatic local coastline and New Zealand's wine country. It features an award-winning restaurant, a bar and a swimming pool.

Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.

Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.

A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.

Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.

General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance

Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.

Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.

Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.

Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.

Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.

Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.

Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.

Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.

Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.

For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.

Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.